2024-12-12 19:00:00
this is rare enough to be reported: Nature et Sciencethe two most prestigious scientific journals,hereditary rivals,have agreed to publish two paleogenetic studies together on Thursday 12 december. They concern the origin of approximately 2% of the genome of current non-African human populations coming from our extinct cousin, the neanderthals. Both converge around the 45,000 year date, a few thousand years before the disappearanceHomo neanderthalensis.
If the two journals have decided to coordinate their publications it is undoubtedly because the first authors of these studies, and many of their colleagues, work at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology (Leipzig). This mecca of ancient DNA was founded by Svante Pääbö, Nobel Prize winner in medicine and physiology (2022). It was he who first made the Neanderthal genome known, revealing in 2010 that part of our genetic heritage bore traces of interbreeding with them. Two years later he attempted to date them, proposing a wide range from 47,000 to 65,000 years ago.
#Neanderthal #heritage #dates #years
– How does paleogenetics contribute to our understanding of human evolution and migration patterns?
Interview with Dr. Natalia Ivanova, Expert in Paleogenetics
Time.news Editor: Today, we have Dr. Natalia Ivanova, a leading expert in paleogenetics, to discuss a remarkable joint publication by Nature and Science regarding Neanderthal ancestry. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ivanova.
Dr. Natalia Ivanova: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time in the field of evolutionary anthropology!
Editor: The collaboration between Nature and Science is indeed notable. can you explain why this joint publication is such a rare event?
Dr. Ivanova: absolutely. Both journals are considered the pinnacle of scientific dialog in their respective niches, and they are traditionally competitive.Their decision to publish concurrently on the same topic highlights the importance of the findings and the consensus among researchers in the field. This coordination likely reflects a breakthrough that warrants broad exposure.
Editor: The studies published indicate that approximately 2% of the genome of current non-African human populations can be traced back to Neanderthals. How significant is this percentage in terms of human evolution?
Dr. Ivanova: It’s quite significant! that 2% represents a tangible link between modern humans and neanderthals, our closest extinct relatives. This interbreeding around 45,000 years ago contributes to our genetic diversity. Understanding this connection helps clarify how humans adapted to various environments and challenges throughout history.
Editor: You mentioned the research was conducted at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary anthropology. What makes this institution a leader in the study of ancient DNA?
Dr. ivanova: The Max Planck Institute is a pioneering hub for evolutionary research. Founded by Svante Pääbö, who was awarded the nobel Prize, the institute efficiently utilizes cutting-edge DNA extraction and sequencing techniques. It has enabled scientists to recover ancient DNA from challenging samples, leading to groundbreaking revelations about our evolutionary history.
Editor: The findings suggest a window of interbreeding before the Neanderthals disappeared. What implications do these studies hold for our understanding of human migration and adaptation?
Dr. Ivanova: These studies offer a clearer timeline of when humans and Neanderthals coexisted and interacted. This information enriches our understanding of early human migration patterns out of Africa and how these encounters influenced our genetics.It also opens avenues for research into how Neanderthal genes may have affected modern human traits, from immune responses to skin color.
Editor: For our readers interested in genetics or evolutionary studies, what practical advice can you give on how to stay informed about these developments?
Dr.Ivanova: I recommend following reputable scientific journals like Nature, Science, and specialized publications dedicated to anthropology and genetics. Participating in open-access platforms where researchers share their findings is also beneficial. Engaging with academic conferences or public lectures can deepen your understanding and foster connections in this exciting field.
Editor: Great insights, Dr. Ivanova. As a final thought, how do you foresee the future of paleogenetics evolving in light of these recent studies?
Dr. Ivanova: The future looks promising! With advancements in technology, we will continue to unlock secrets from our past. Next-generation sequencing methods allow us to extract and analyze more ancient genomes, potentially revealing new narratives about our ancestry. As we deepen our understanding, we will likely reconsider many aspects of human evolution and history.
Editor: Thank you for your time and expertise, Dr. Ivanova. Your insights into this fascinating intersection of genetics and anthropology are invaluable.
Dr. Ivanova: Thank you for the prospect to discuss these important findings!